Multi-coloured sheep and helicopter rides will be among the attractions at a Tour de France campsite near Otley.

A trio of sheep at the Tour Camping campsite on Pool Road have been dyed yellow, green and red polka-dots to mimic the jerseys worn by the top performing riders in the famous race.

And the organisers have also arranged for helicopter flights – provided by Heli-Jet Aviation, and offering trips along the Wharfe Valley – to be available from the site, off the A659, after the Tour has passed on Saturday, July 5.

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) recently dropped in to have a look at the campsite and its eye-catching sheep.

He said: “The Tour Camping campsite in Otley is an excellent idea and will give cycling fans and tourists a perfect view of the race as it zooms through Pool on its way to Otley.

“The onsite entertainment, helicopter rides, food, showers and toilet facilities, will no doubt satisfy the many visitors who will be flocking to the area for Otley Cycle Race and the Tour de France.”

The Tour Camping team, meanwhile – John and Caroline Scholey, David and Julie Asquith, and Susan Hudson – have lined up an evening of live music, featuring Harrogate band The Directors, for the evening before the Tour’s start.

And they are also aiming to raise a substantial amount for charity after joining Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Grand Departy campaign.